RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are small electronic devices that use radio frequencies to identify and track physical objects. They’re widely used in applications like inventory control, merchandise tracking, supply chain management, and theft prevention.
RFID tags types come with various characteristics and performance levels; selecting the correct tag is paramount for successful operation.
Each type of RFID tag has its frequency range and can be active (powered), passive or semi-passive. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the environmental conditions a tag may face during its lifetime since these can significantly impact its read range and performance.
Passive RFID Tags
Passive RFID tags are much smaller and more cost-effective than active tags, allowing them to be attached to any object or adhesive label without needing to be in the line of sight of the reader.
Active RFID tags require a reader to see them through an optical fibre, making them perfect for tracking packages or packages in transit.
These make them ideal for warehouses and other locations where items aren’t reused or read frequently. In addition, they can be attached to tools or service kits used by technicians during a service call, making them even more versatile.
Passive RFID tags are cost-effective, easy to manufacture and suitable for many applications. Since they don’t require batteries, they can be made from plastic, metal or ceramic. Furthermore, passive RFID tags types may also be embedded into devices or packages to enhance durability or security.
Passives can track various goods along the supply chain, often combined with active RFID systems for an integrated end-to-end solution. Cost-effectively, passives improve visibility into all stages of production while guaranteeing products arrive undamaged.
They can help reduce the amount of waste created during manufacturing processes. Furthermore, they may be employed to authenticate products.
Passive tags are electronic chips with an antenna and circuit that convert radio waves into coded messages. They come in many materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic and rubber.
Active tags transmit a signal to readers when in range, while passive tags only receive radio waves from readers and use this energy for internal circuitry power. The reader then reflects on the energy.
They can withstand harsh environments due to their stricter material and an extra layer of protection that helps them remain durable over time. As a result, they have applications in various industries, such as healthcare and food manufacturing, where the ability to track items at multiple stages throughout their lifecycle is necessary.
RFID tags can be read by any reader with an antenna located near the tracked object and by mobile devices for remote asset monitoring.
Passive RFID technology offers several advantages over active RFID, such as not contributing to radio noise that could negatively affect other systems’ performance. Furthermore, deploying in smaller spaces is easier due to fewer needed readers.
Semi-Passive RFID Tags
Semi-passive RFID tags types differ from passive tags in that they remain within the line of sight of a reader but draw power from their batteries rather than using radio frequency waves from the reader to activate their electromagnetic fields. These less expensive alternatives make sense for many applications such as file management, access control, race track and supply chain management.
Active RFID Tags
Active RFID tags are much larger than passive tags and operate between 915 and 433 MHz. They use an antenna to send out radio waves picked up by a reader and sent to a computer program for data capture. Active RFID tags may be employed in applications requiring the long-term reading of the tag or when multiple people must read it simultaneously.
They can be particularly beneficial in applications that require quick tag reading, like vehicle tracking or toll payment. Furthermore, their durability makes them ideal for projects requiring extreme weather resistance.
Active RFID uses a shorter radio wave band than passive RFID, which may benefit applications requiring a more expansive reading range.
Passive RFID can work with various radio frequencies, making it suitable for many applications.
Passive tags have the primary disadvantage of having a limited range, making them unsuitable for more oversized items or those frequently moving through an area. Furthermore, they may be difficult to detect in dense clutter and more likely to get lost or misplaced than other types of RFID tags.